Youth & Rights

For young people in Edinburgh

Emergency? Call 999

Youth & Rights.

Rights, entitlements, and support for young people in Edinburgh and Scotland.

🚌 Free buses for under-22s: All young people under 22 in Scotland get free bus travel. Apply for your Young Persons Free Bus Pass at transport.gov.scot.

Young Scot Card (11–26)

Free card giving discounts on transport, leisure, food and culture. Also a Digital ID. Apply free at youngscot.net. Discounts at hundreds of venues across Scotland.

Free Bus Travel for Under 22s

Since January 2022, all under-22s in Scotland get free bus travel using the Young Persons Free Bus Pass. Apply at transport.gov.scot/young-persons-free-bus-pass/.

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

If you are 16–19, staying in school or college, and from a low-income household, you may get Β£30/week EMA. Apply through your school or college.

Rights if Stopped by Police (Scotland)

Police Scotland can stop and search you if they have reasonable grounds. You have the right to ask why you are being stopped and to be treated respectfully. You do not have to answer questions beyond giving your name and address if asked. Do not resist physically β€” challenge it legally afterwards.

Care Experienced Entitlements

If you have been in care, you are entitled to aftercare support until age 26 (Continuing Care), free university tuition (this applies to all Scottish-domiciled students), and enhanced support from the care leaver payment through Social Security Scotland.

πŸͺͺ Young Scot Card

Free national card for 11–26 year olds in Scotland β€” discounts on transport, food, cinema, sport, and culture. Also a digital ID. Apply free at youngscot.net.

Apply free β†’